Kat Von D Double Dare Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Back in August I picked up the Kat Von D Liquid lipstick in Double Dare after hearing so much about the range. The shade is a great everyday color it is described as a "cocoa blush" but I find it to be a bit of a MLBB and darker.

This was not the first liquid lipstick I have used however it is the first high-end liquid lipstick. I have tried the NYX liquid lipsticks and really liked them, though I didn't find the lasting power of them to be anything more than a matte lipstick.

When I tried on the Kat Von D formula I noticed it set a lot quicker than the NYX formula and was a bit more drying, however definitely not uncomfortable. I managed to wear this for 11 hours with the application at noon and removed around ten. I was very pleased with how well this formula held up throughout the day, from lunch to dinner and baby kisses in between this did not budge! I only applied once and it lasted all day. Though through out the day it did begin to get a bit uncomfortable.

I think the formulation of these are phenomenal, especially for long days and for when you can't be bothered to reapply lipstick. Like I said above these are totally kiss proof so absolutely great for date nights. There are 28 shade in the range so there is a shade for everyone.

Have you all tried this range before? What shade should I try out next?

xoxo Franchesca

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water

After hearing about the great benefits of micellar water for years now, I got really excited when Simple came out with a micellar water a couple months ago. Its the only one that is easily accessible in the states thats also affordable. Now after years of hearing about micellar waters I never really understood what made it different from regular water.

Micellar water takes its name from micelles, tiny round balls of cleansing molecules that float in the water. When you apply the product to your skin, the cleansing agents come into contact with oil and dirt on your face, allowing them to be swept away quickly and efficiently. Micellar cleansing water uses very gentle but effective cleansing agents. There is no tingling or tightening effect, and it’s powerful enough to remove eye makeup, so there is no need for a separate makeup remover.

So now that we know what makes this different from plain water, how does this one hold up? It is very gentle, leaves the skin feeling smooth and clean. It does a good job of removing makeup, but takes some effort with mascara. Essentially I holds true to  all its claims but I did find it did sting a bit. Not as bad as with cleaning wipes, but definitely enough for me to notice. I will say though I do think this is a nice product, I don't have much to compare it too. So I'll keep you posted as I try to test out other micellar waters.

Which micellar water is your favorite?

xoxo Franchesca

source / LaRoche Posay- What is micellar water?

My Top Concealers

Concealer has become my best friend ever since discovering it. I've tried my fair share and have come to find one to cover any need I may have, such as dark circles, blemishes, and redness. So today I rounded out my top four concealers. These are the ones I know work and can cover as little or as much as I need. So lets get started... with lightest coverage to full coverage.

Revlon Age Defying DNA Concealer: This has light to medium coverage with the ability to be built up. I noticed that the shades tend to run a bit more pink and I think that works great at covering dark circles. This is a super creamy formula that's easy to blend. Though I have found that although this is marketed towards mature skin it can sink into fine lines, so definitely set this concealer.  

Maybelline Master Conceal by FaceStudio: This is a medium coverage concealer that could be built up to a high coverage, but you can run the chance of looking cakey. I love using this concealer under the eyes and down the center of my face to highlight. But if you need coverage this one has you covered and it has really great lasting power.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer:  This is a solid medium to full coverage concealer, that can do just about anything. I like it under the eyes and it doesn't crease, love down the center of my face to brighten, and works great on blemishes. This is my lazy girl concealer because I just need one product to cover up my concerns. This is typically the one I reach for when I go with just concealer for the day because it does it all and looks flawless.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer: If you need full coverage this one has you covered. I only use this when I have some pesky blemishes or I'm going for a full on flawless look. I would not recommend this for under the eyes as it will crease. If you have severe hyper pigmentation this one will get you covered. This is a cream to powder formulation so its lasting power is pretty awesome!

What are some of your go to concealer?

xoxo Franchesca



Travel Makeup Bag

So I'm on the road again tomorrow to go visit the boyfriend. I really enjoy seeing what other bring when they travel, it helps me narrow things down and be realistic. So because I'm just going to see the boyfriend extravagant makeup would be unnecessary, its going to a very casual week for me so makeup may not even be worn. However, if we do decide to grab lunch or go to a bar this is what will be on my face. When I pack my makeup I like to categorize items, such as my face, eyes, and lips. It makes it easier for myself to not over pack, especially with the lip products. Also when traveling for short amounts of time I like to mainly bring drugstore product, because if I lose or forget to repack something its not a challenge to replace it.

FACE

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer: A cheap nice primer, it smoothes out my skin and prolongs the wear of my foundation. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation [203 True Beige]: This will be my night time foundation, it has great coverage and awesome longevity. 

Pond's Luminous Finish BB Cream [medium]: Really sheer coverage, but great for day time, gives a gorgeous finish. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser [Neutralizer]: My dark circles have been intense lately this baby has been a life saver.

Revlon Age Defying Concealer [Medium]: This may be my new favorite from the drugstore, its pigmented, creamy, and doesn't cake up. It also does pretty good under the eyes!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder [020 Nude Beige]: Not really sure if this gives any coverage but it does a good job of setting my foundation. 

Estee Lauder Deluxe All-Over Face Compact: Great all in one cheek quad. Check out what it looks like inside [here]

Maybelline Ultra Brow [10 Light Brown]: Because I'm expecting a casual week there is no need for perfect brows, so to keep it looking natural brow powder is the way to go. 

EYES

LORAC Eye Shadow Primer: Got this with my pro palette and have been loving it! Its also the perfect size for travel. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo [Bad to the Bronze]: Have really been loving just throwing this on for s quick eye look. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics: To keep with the neutral look of this week! I also have multiple eye looks possible. 

Maybelline Master Precise Liner [Black]: Super easy application and decent longevity, though after five hours I do notice some smudging. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer [26 Noir]: One of my favorite kohl liners from the drugstore, smooth application, pigmented and long lasting!! 

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara:  Love the separation and length I get with this formula! I also love how it doesn't flake off and its removes with warm water. 

LIPS

Vaseline Lip Therapy [Cocoa Butter]: I love this stuff, its cheap and it protects my lips! What more can you ask for from a lip balm?

Maybelline Baby Lips [Cherry Me]: A sheer red that great for anytime of day!

Wet n' Wild Matte Lipstick [Bare it All]: My favorite nude from drugstore! Amazing lasting power and pigmentation. Its a bit drying but nothing crazy.
H&M Lipgloss [Nude]:  I picked this up not really expecting much, but it pretty awesome lip gloss! I picked up this color because its the closest thing to MAC's salmon lipgloss that I lost. This is a pretty good alternative for that shade. Its not super sticky and has good color payoff. If you see this when you're at H&M definitely check it out!

Of course you're going to need a way to take it all off so pack some makeup wipes!

Have a great day!
xoxo Franchesca 

Skincare 101: Face Mapping